This degree program provides students with knowledge in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Microbiologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/microbiologists.htm (visited March 24, 2022).
Generally speaking, most bachelor’s degrees in Molecular Biology take approximately four years for full-time students to complete. Traditional programs usually consist of 120 credit hours of coursework, or approximately 40 college courses. It is important to note that some institutions offer accelerated degree programs, often designed to help students earn a bachelor’s and master’s Molecular Biology degree simultaneously and in less time. Some high schools also offer college credit for certain courses, which can shorten the graduation timeframe.
It is important to realize, however, that students enrolled part-time are unlikely to graduate within four years. Those taking only a few classes per semester typically graduate within five to eight years.
Before choosing a major there are some important facts you should know about.
When you know that you want to major in Molecular Biology, you should find out if the colleges and universities you’re most interested in carry this major. You should check the academic catalogs of each university to verify which ones do carry an Molecular Biology major and verify with your state’s department of education that the colleges you’re considering offer the appropriate Molecular Biology education program you need for your field.
If a university you’re considering doesn’t carry a Molecular Biology major, then it’s time to cross that school off your list. Keep checking the other schools. For those that do have an Molecular Biology major, begin looking over their programs so you get a better idea which university interests you the most.
The two most prominent types of bachelor levels in Molecular Biology are: Bachelor of Arts degree (BA degree) and a Bachelor of Science degree (BS degree). A BA degree normally requires pupils to take fewer concentration courses as well as to focus more on discovering about Molecular Biology. These students have a little bit more flexibility when it pertains to customizing their education to meet their occupation objectives as well as goals.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology, on the other hand, is much less concentrated on exploration and even more targeted to a specific focus. Bachelor of Science students, usually, focus specifically on the area of their major and have a tendency to be more career focused. Bachelor’s degrees in the clinical field, for example, are most likely to be a Bachelor of Science degree. You can find some sample classes for a Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology below:
Only 41% of students actually manage to finish their Molecular Biology degree on time. There are a variety of factors that could potentially play a part in unexpectedly extending your college career, such as:
Work. Working over 25 hours per week can get in the way of academics.
Credit Hours. Most colleges will define a full course load as 12 credit hours per semester. If you do the math, you will see that you actually need to take 15 credit hours per semester in order to graduate on time.
Transferring. Many students end up transferring during their college career. Many times, there are hiccups with transferring credits. This can put you behind, or even cause you to end up losing your credits altogether.
Be aware of these common mistakes, so that you don't make them yourself.
If your university offers career and/or placement services, you’ll be able to take advantage of both as a student or graduate. You can receive career counseling, career assessments, and resume reviews, where you’ll learn how to spruce your resume up. It is important to research if your potential college has post career placement assistance. This demonstrates that the college or university Molecular Biology program is with you from start to finish.
